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Listen "21: New Literacies Part II, with Rick Ginsberg and Yong Zhao"
Episode Synopsis
In this follow-up conversation, Kaplan editor-in-chief Kathleen Vail sits down with professors Rick Ginsberg and Yong Zhao—authors of a recent Kappan article and the book Duck and Cover (Teachers College Press, 2023)—to explore how schools can embrace new definitions of literacy and meaningful innovation in the age of AI.
Drawing on their work with the Center for Reimagining Education, Ginsburg and Zhao share lessons from schools experimenting with AI integration, co-created learning with students, and new models of transformation. Their “three lenses” framework offers educators a practical path to change:1. Seek transformative ideas – not small tweaks but true innovation.2. Co-create with students – move from doing things to students to doing things with them.3. Start small, think big – pilot ideas in “sandbox” models that can grow organically.
The discussion touches on:•Why many school reforms fail and how their “virus approach” differs.
How teachers and students are already experimenting with AI tools in creative ways (including an unexpected country-western theme song for the Center!).The challenges districts face when banning AI—and why students are using it anyway.How AI literacy should be embedded across subjects, not taught as a standalone course.Global comparisons of AI adoption, and why the U.S. lags behind other countries.
Key Quote:
“If we don’t engage the kids, we are wrong. What we’re teaching is too often deadly boring. Co-creation with students is where the power lies.” – Rick Ginsburg
This episode is a forward-looking conversation about how AI, when used thoughtfully, can help schools break free from outdated practices and engage students in transformative learning. AI also appears in this year’s PDK Poll. Attitudes around the use of AI this year waned from last year, comparing the 2024 and 2025 PDK Polls. Learn more at pdkpoll.org.
Drawing on their work with the Center for Reimagining Education, Ginsburg and Zhao share lessons from schools experimenting with AI integration, co-created learning with students, and new models of transformation. Their “three lenses” framework offers educators a practical path to change:1. Seek transformative ideas – not small tweaks but true innovation.2. Co-create with students – move from doing things to students to doing things with them.3. Start small, think big – pilot ideas in “sandbox” models that can grow organically.
The discussion touches on:•Why many school reforms fail and how their “virus approach” differs.
How teachers and students are already experimenting with AI tools in creative ways (including an unexpected country-western theme song for the Center!).The challenges districts face when banning AI—and why students are using it anyway.How AI literacy should be embedded across subjects, not taught as a standalone course.Global comparisons of AI adoption, and why the U.S. lags behind other countries.
Key Quote:
“If we don’t engage the kids, we are wrong. What we’re teaching is too often deadly boring. Co-creation with students is where the power lies.” – Rick Ginsburg
This episode is a forward-looking conversation about how AI, when used thoughtfully, can help schools break free from outdated practices and engage students in transformative learning. AI also appears in this year’s PDK Poll. Attitudes around the use of AI this year waned from last year, comparing the 2024 and 2025 PDK Polls. Learn more at pdkpoll.org.
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